State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has welcomed the news that crime has dropped in the Wallsend area, but has called on the community to continue to work with Police to ensure the rates continue to fall.
Ms Hornery met with Superintendent Brett Greentree on Monday to discuss the work that has been undertaken since problems were reported over Christmas and the New Year period.
Newcastle City Police District officers worked hard to increase their presence in the area, educate business owners on the importance of reporting crimes and due to the these factors, made a number of key arrests.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“There are some encouraging signs in the Wallsend area, but there is always more work to do.”
“This is a testament to the Wallsend community that stronger relationships have been forged with their local Police. The Police need the community to report issues and this is exactly what the Wallsend community has done and thus far we have seen some great results.”
“Assaults are down 50%, break and enters are down 50%, malicious damage is down 4%, stealing is down 54%, stolen vehicles are down 40% and stealing from motor vehicles is down 61%. The only figure to go up was robbery which went from 1 to 2 in the period, an increase of 100%.”
“Local businesses are telling me that things have improved dramatically. They are excited to see the Police in the area, walking the beat and talking to shop owners.”
“The local Neighbourhood Watch groups have also played a vital role in helping to reduce crime through their programs and education of the suburbs.”
“This is a good start, but there is more to do. We need to make sure we keep on top of things so that the western suburbs gets its fair share of resources.”